Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-05-14

which seemed made of alabaster. Strangely
enough, the greater part of this structure
seemed to retreat back into the very heart Of
the mountain. 1t was dimly lighted by
tapers within, and its long rows of pillars
rcGri cctrrea.ao
My guide led me into this temple. Just
inside Its first arch we paused.
"You are surprised, my son." he said, fac
ing me and smiling. II doubt If you ever
before realized how close together are The
higher and the lower worlds-how brief is
the step between them. You nave seen much
here, but you have still more 70 see. Yonder
is the water of oblivion, and this Is the tenn
pie of its devotees. l am its high priest.
With this we advanced further INTO che
temple, passing pillar after pillar and under
arch after arch. The lights burned softly,
the smooth, polished floor of semi-transpar-
ent stone, and in the air there hung fain!
odors of delicate perfumes, which changed
and varied constantly.
Saving ourselves, the temple seemed
deserted. My guide moved more slowly now
than he did when we were coming up the
hollow, and, without a sign of Imperlous-
ness, he had grown majestic.
"Be heard" he suddenly exclaimed, and
instantly soft strains of witching and passion
ate music stole in upon us from everywhere
Still there was no one in sight The music
continued, but IN a strange indefinite way
without taking upon itself melodic shape and
character. 1t seemed like the accompani-
ment to succession Of love songs; 1t was
sweet impressive harmony, made of love
whispers and love signs.
My guide noted its effect upon me, anu
smiled at my delight.
'Appearn' he exclaimed, presently, in the
same startling, unexpected manner DIS before.
There was sudden rustling and d iinkling
of little bells, and then, as if they stepped out
of the endless rows of shining pillars. he
whole place was filled with smiling maldens.
Such of their wondrous beauty as was not
wholly uncovered was heightened rather
than concealed by the fleecy, silvery scarfs
they wore. Their feet. were IN Jeweled san
dals and jeweled bands held their loose,
streaming hair back from their faces. Upon
each of their bare arms also, were two Jew
eled bracelets. Their ages seemed 20 run
collectively it was such revelation of wo-
manly perfection and beauty Is, am sure.
no mortal ever dreamed Of Poor Nicnette!
How she suffered In comparison with these
splendid, matches women! Beside heir
perfection of form and face-the latter Nv
mean from the standpoint Of beauty -'itf-
was, upon the brow and IN the eyes of ZACH
the unmistakable impress Of marked ami de-
clded intellect. This to me, was more won
derful and astonishing than their shapeli.
ness and grace, and remarked the same tc
my guide.
"These are my proselytes," he said, land
you are the first mortal have ever deemed
worthy to see them Do not look surprised;
though l am stranger to you, l have been
watching you for a long while"
The maidens, still smiling, stood about us
at regular intervals, waiting apparently for
another signal from him who had pro-
claimed himself master Taking me by the
hand he led me up half dozen steps, where,
side by side, we paused upon dais. My
companion then spoke a language unknown
to me, whereupon the maidens began some
thing which was neither march nor a
waltz, but which partook of some of the ele-
ments of both.
Finally, observed that they were gradu-
ally leaving the temple and forming into a
series of circles in the valley outside, between
the temple and the waterfall. At last my guide
and were the only ones in the temple.
From where we stood we could see very dis
hnctly their graceful, almost rhythmical,
movements. In my heart was the yearning
4 IL. - g.
'Soon they will return" said my guide
"While they are gone l wish to tell you
something of vast importance. This day is
the turning point of your existence in the
lower world. Before to-day could not reveal
myself to you. After to-day, if you reject
the truths / give you, can never speak with
you again. Oblivion is a matter of grade and
degree. Yonder are its waters. As it covers you
in greater or lesser measure, you so assume